[caption id="attachment_26407" align="alignnone" width="595"] Sailors lined the floats at the Seamanship Training Centre for departing officer LCdr Mike Erwin. Following that, they removed their caps and gave three cheers as the Whaler, staffed by senior staff of Naval Fleet School Pacifc, pulled away to row him ashore.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––It could be said that LCdr Michael Erwin is a renaissance man.Cartoonist, writer, friend to Gnaval Gnome, sailor, officer, Guard Commander, and his last post before he retired July 8 - Seamanship Division Commander at Naval Fleet School Pacific. His retirement, also his 60th birthday, marked the end of a 40-year career with the navy, where he learned, among many trades and skills, naval customs, tradition, history, and ceremonial procedures. So it was a fitting end when he was rowed away in a Montagu Whaler boat with Heart of Oak echoing over the water, adeptly played by the Naden Band.His path to the navy began while attending the University of Calgary and searching for part-time employment; circa 1980. “I saw an ad in the school newspaper. It was about officer training programs in the Naval Reserve and it sounded very exciting.”By February 1981 he was attending basic training at Albert Head as a naval reserve recruit. A few years later, he made the full commitment to the Regular Force serving in many warships, many now decommissioned, such as HMC Ships Annapolis, Terra Nova, Miramichi, MacKenzie, Protecteur, and Algonquin.His most enjoyable sail was in MacKenzie – 1991- when the destroyer sailed to New Zealand via Tonga and Tahiti to participate in the 50th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy. From 1992 onward, he spent 16 years dedicated to naval training, splitting his time between Naval Officer Training Centre Venture, Fleet School, and the Training Squadron. “I always found it gratifying to teach...

[caption id="attachment_26402" align="alignnone" width="595"] Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre[/caption]Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, Acting Chief of the Defence Staff––Many of us have been watching the reports coming out of Afghanistan with dismay. The fall of Panjwai, reported two weeks ago, has hit many of us particularly hard, and as we question our legacy, it serves as a harbinger for all Canadians who served in the country, regardless of when and where. Panjwai District, with its place names such as Masum Ghar, Nakhonay, Sperwan Ghar, and Mushan, are indelibly etched into the collective psyche of those who served there. The heat, the dust, the grape rows, and the poppy fields all provide a backdrop to what truly troubles us – our investment of effort, of sweat, and most of all of blood.Our Afghan experience has left none untouched, and many, including families, are scarred physically, mentally, and morally from it. Many of us have been asking, some for years, “Was it worth it?” Answers will be deeply personal, and not all have reached a final conclusion other than time will tell.We can hold our heads high knowing that we did everything our government asked us to do. Our members served with valour and selflessness, and were there to make a difference. The solution was never going to be a military one, and what we gave the people and the government of Afghanistan was time. The decision with what to do with that time was theirs to make.  While history will be the ultimate judge, the current trajectory of the country leaves us with much pain and doubt. After their wars, our forebears were able to visit many of the countries in which they served, such as in Europe and Korea, and put their sacrifices in context, giving them meaning when they saw hope and prosperity rise...

[caption id="attachment_26396" align="alignnone" width="595"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––When the grad party died down and the high school certificate was stowed away, a young Jeff Hutchinson was left aimless. It was the early 90s, and nothing really stood out to him as a definitive career path. So, he popped into the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Recruiting Centre, to see what was available for a young lad like himself.The prospect of a paid post-secondary degree in history and an officer commission seemed appealing. He signed up for Navy – following in one grandfather’s footsteps – and headed off to “boot camp”, also known as Basic Officer Training in Chilliwack, B.C.Thirty years have passed since he scrawled his name on the Canadian Armed Forces contract. That young fresh-faced teenage recruit is now a naval Captain and CFB Esquimalt’s new Base Commander, having taken the position last Thursday in a formal change of command ceremony. “I’d say I had the least clue about what I really wanted to do with myself after high school,” says Capt(N) Hutchinson. “Notwithstanding the haphazard way I got here, I sure am happy I made those choices.” His career has been a volley of posting on either coast, with a few landings in Ottawa, such as his last one - Director Naval Strategic Management at National Defence Headquarters.His early career sailings were in HMC Ships Montreal, earning his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate; and Halifax for his Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Fleet Navigation Officer tours. He then returned to Halifax as Deck Officer three years later following a shore posting to the Royal Military College. The return to sea strengthened his desire to sail. “I quickly found that I seemed to be more comfortable at sea than anywhere else and it just seemed to be my place,” he says. His...

[caption id="attachment_26390" align="alignnone" width="595"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson addresses the crowd gathered on museum square July 15 following the change of command of CFB Esquimalt. The speech marked his first as the new Base Commander. Photo by S1 Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services, Esquimalt[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––Managing CFB Esquimalt is now the responsibility of Captain(Navy) Jeff Hutchinson, as he took ownership of the base on July 15.With approximately 70 guests in attendance, Capt(N) Sam Sader transferred command to Capt(N) Hutchison with Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee presiding over the ceremony held at Museum Square. Capt(N) Sader now moves on to Ottawa as Director Operational Sustainment.Rounding out the dignitaries were The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean; Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, and Chief Rob Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation.First to take the podium and address the crowd, RAdm Topshee lauded Capt(N) Sader for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. “You had the ability to transform this organization so rapidly, to re-imagine all of those services, and to deliver them in the most demanding conditions possible,” said RAdm Topshee. “As a former fleet commander, I can say with certainty that you came through and made sure the fleet could stay safe and complete their mission of keeping Canadians safe.”He continued on, noting several other high level achievements including the historic cleanup of industrial contamination in the harbour and the successful National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign, with over $440,000 raised under less than ideal fundraising circumstances over the past two years. The Admiral then turned to Capt(N) Hutchinson, describing him as an outstanding leader and an experienced sailor.“Being a base commander is not just about leading a great institution, it is also about understanding the mission. I know you bring those qualities to us and I am excited to see you...

DND––It was a banner day for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Legal Branch as they virtually engaged with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Colonel-in-Chief of the CAF Legal Branch on June 22 for a formal presentation of a Royal Banner by the Queen.“It was my honour and pleasure to have received this Royal Banner from Her Majesty on behalf of all members of the Legal Branch, past and present, who, for more than one hundred years, have served Canada with professionalism, expertise and honour,” said Rear-Admiral Geneviève Bernatchez, the Judge Advocate General, after the event.Royal banners are unique flags presented as special marks of Royal favour to commemorate specific services. The Queen hosted the virtual audience from Windsor Castle. Rear-Admiral Bernatchez attended from Ottawa, with her Chief of Staff and CAF Legal Branch Advisor, Colonel Robin Holman. Lieutenant-Colonel Noor Ahmed, Assistant Judge Advocate General for the Prairie Region, joined them from Winnipeg and Major Angela Orme, Legal Advisor to the Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Combined Task Force 150, connected from Bahrain.Following the formalities, the Queen spoke with each participant about their service to country, commitment to justice, and to family.Col Holman discussed his responsibilities as both Chief of Staff and Branch Advisor to manage effective recruiting, professional development, assignment, and career progression of legal officers.LCol Ahmed had the opportunity to mention that he first met the Queen while serving as a Boy Scout during the Royal Visit to Stratford, ON, in 1973, which Her Majesty appreciated. He also discussed his official duties focusing on domestic operations, particularly his legal support to requests for assistance during the pandemic in long-term care homes in the Prairie region and to remote northern First Nations communities. He also spoke about his role advising on air security issues under the NORAD agreement.Maj Orme provided background information about her deployment in Manama, Bahrain, headquarters of the 34-nation coalition Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Canada took command of CMF’s Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) in January 2021. As the legal advisor to Commander CTF 150, Maj Orme supports every boarding operation to ensure they are proceeding with the proper legal basis and...

[caption id="attachment_26373" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S1 Jesse Gisborne[/caption]Sailor 1st Class (S1) Jesse Gisborne, a Clearance Diver from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), is deployed on Operation Unifier supporting Exercise Sea Breeze 21 in Odesa, Ukraine. Raised in Abbotsford, B.C., and a local of Victoria, S1 Gisborne, has always dreamt about travelling the world and living a life of adventure.“I was a young man searching for adventure on the high seas. It turns out the adventure happens in port,” he said.Clearance divers such as S1 Gisborne are the Royal Canadian Navy’s explosive ordnance disposal experts in both surface and sub-surface environments, with specialties in underwater demolitions, conventional and advanced unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive device disposal. They are also experts in salvage, inspections, training, search and survey, hyperbaric medicine, submarine rescue, fleet maintenance, and dockyard support. They also provide support to Fleet Force Protection and other government agencies. Among the many memorable diving missions for S1 Gisborne was his tasking in Tofino, B.C.“A challenging experience that I can never forget was sailing our dive tender to Tofino to recover ordnance from a First World War wreck,” he said. “The tow rope for our rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) parted in the middle of the night in rough seas. I remember the jump from the deck of our boat to the RHIB in three-metre swells was dicey. Sometimes getting to the job is the most dangerous part.”He has also been deployed off the coast of Libya during the Arab Spring in 2011 aboard HMCS Vancouver, as well as in numerous domestic and international exercises.“The experiences you share with your team will form friendships that last the rest of your life.” The Clearance Diver Team deployed in support of Exercise Sea Breeze 21 is comprised of members from both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleet Diving Units. During the exercise, S1 Gisborne is sharing best practices with...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation is currently offering 20 scholarships for youth aiming for careers in the aviation or aerospace sectors.Scholarships are valued at $1,000 each and are designed to encourage students towards careers in science, technology, engineering, and math studies (STEM) or the aviation or aerospace industry. Deadline to apply is July 16.Canadian youth who are 25 years or younger by Sept. 1 and are entering or studying in a post-secondary institution or flight school are eligible to apply. Awards are broken into three categories of eligibility: 10 scholarships have been set aside for eligible dependents and current and former RCAF members, five for young women, and five scholarships for students who identify as Indigenous, visible minority, persons with disability or LGBTQQIP2SAA. The RCAF Foundation was launched in March 2021 with a mission to recognize, foster, and celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force through community engagement, education programs, and commemorative activities. “These scholarships are to inspire students and meet the rapidly growing demand for skilled people in the private defence sectors to be leaders in Canada and the world and there are few areas more exciting than science and flight,” said Lieutenant-General (Retired) Michael Hood, foundation member and Commander, RCAF.In order qualify for the scholarship applicants are required to contribute an essay of 500 words or video clip of at least two minutes answering one of two questions that can be found on the website: https://rcaffoundation.ca/portfolio-items/student-scholarship/Deadline is July 16.––––

[caption id="attachment_26357" align="aligncenter" width="590"] SLt Nic Bell in HMCS Winnipeg.[/caption]An Unusual Alarm ClockSLt Nic BellHMCS Winnipeg––Being awoken by the general alarm at 0400 coming through the PA is certainly an unusual alarm clock. I hop out of my rack, lit by red light, in a space shared with five others, three of whom are casualty clearers and two rescue swimmers (including myself). Everyone dresses as fast as possible while the ship rolls 15 degrees - makes dominos on a seesaw look steady compared to us. We move as fast as possible to the upper decks to don a dry suit labeled “RESCUE” and hop into a little boat that will shortly be suspended two to three stories over the water. All this to recover our friend Oscar, a human-sized dummy who was thrown overboard for training. That’s my alarm clock some days. Life during Intermediate Multiship Readiness Training (IMSRTs) is a constantly changing, chaotic event consisting of trying to stay ahead of the ship’s program. Being a Bridge Watch Keeper under training just adds to the chaos. Attending briefings, running serials from the bridge, and responding to emergencies, every day is a change from the last and tomorrow will be different. A moment that stands out was being the Second Officer of the Watch on the bridge for the first landing of our helicopter. Bringing the ship to emergency flying stations, putting on action dress, and trying to find a flying course to safely land the helicopter while working with a helicopter for the first time was a nerve-racking, yet confidence-building evolution. A sense of anxiety was felt through the bridge as we watched the flight deck through the CCTV system, with the sound of rotor blades chopping in the background while the aircraft landed. We waited anxiously to hear “Trapped on Deck” over the net. Every time a novel and stressful moment ends, you go back to thinking “Okay what’s next?” Needless to say, the life of a Bridge...

[caption id="attachment_26347" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Captain (N) S. Sader[/caption]It’s still hard for me to believe, but this will be my last update as Base Commander before my Change of Command on July 15.  It has been an honour to serve in this role and to work alongside so many talented professionals here at the base and within the local community and I would like to express my thanks for your support over the last two years.I’ve always felt a strong sense of purpose throughout my numerous postings at CFB Esquimalt.  There is something special about being part of a dedicated team, responsible for sustaining regular operations and capable of surging its support in times of global crisis or natural disaster response. Over the last year and a half, you have all demonstrated just how important that surge capacity is and I have been consistently impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the base team throughout the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond.Despite the unpredictability of the global pandemic, there are many accomplishments to be proud of.  A high-tempo fleet schedule of international and domestic deployments kept us busy, while we also worked to modernize our processes through numerous digitalization initatives to ensure our people have the right tools for their job. Significant progress has been made on our major infrastructure projects in preparation for welcoming the future fleet to our harbour in the coming years. We have also taken steps to address historic industrial contamination within Esquimalt Harbour, helping to restore the local shared ecosystem for future generations as part of the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project.  The base joined together in support of those in need during events such as the Tug-of-War Challenge, chili cook-offs, Bring Your Dog to Work Day and countless other events that raised over $440,000 for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign over the last two years.   These are just a few examples of the many achievements I’ve witnessed during my time as Base Commander and I couldn’t be...

[caption id="attachment_26344" align="aligncenter" width="594"] S1 Andy O’Brien inspects the explosive found at Fort Rodd Hill.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A Second World War-era mortar found at Fort Rodd Hill has been safely destroyed by two Clearance Divers of Fleet Diving Unit Pacific. The item was discovered by a groundskeeper while clearing underbrush near the perimeter of the Parks Canada facility on the morning of June 28. The explosive device was in a wooded area near Fort Rodd Hill Road.PO2 Benoît Leonard and S1 Andy O’Brien, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians of the Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, were dispatched by the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Members of Military Police Unit (Esquimalt) had cordoned off the area. The item was later identified as a British 2-inch-high explosive mortar. It was half buried in soil when PO2 Léonard and S1 O’Brien came upon it. “It looked like it may have been [accidentally] dropped there a long time ago, long before the site was a tourist attraction,” said PO2 Léonard. Today, Fort Rodd Hill is a Parks Canada site, but it once served as a coastal defence system during the First and Second World War. The artillery battery was originally built in the 1890s by the Royal Navy to protect the area from Spanish and Russian navy attack. It took PO2 Leonard and S1 O’Brien about 30 minutes to identify the mortar.“It’s sometimes difficult when dealing with old ordnance,” said PO2 Léonard. “When all the markings are gone, we resort to different means like key features to identify an item.” A closer inspection of the mortar revealed it was fitted with high explosives but had no fuse attached. “It’s a smaller type of mortar, used against personnel and light vehicles,” said PO2 Léonard. “The main danger would be fragmentation from the steel casing.”After determining the item was safe for...

[caption id="attachment_26337" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of HMCS Calgary clean a portion of Diego Garcia’s beaches on June 20 in Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory. Photos by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, HMCS Calgary Imagery Technician[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary––After five months of being in a COVID-free social bubble, the crew of HMCS Calgary finally got a real port visit when they visited the small British Indian Ocean Territory Island of Diego Garcia, home to United States Navy Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. The crew had visited a few foreign countries throughout the deployment, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic port visits were considered technical visits and the ship’s company could not leave a cordened off area on the jetty. In Diego Garcia it was a time to relax, interact with crewmates and others off ship, and for some of the ship’s company it was an opportunity to help the British Forces and United States Navy protect the environment.Diego Garcia is an isolated atoll rarely visited by outsiders. It is known for its natural beauty that includes fine white-sanded beaches, with sea turtles, coconut crabs, and a diverse and vibrant sea life surrounding it. However, plastic from the ocean ends up on its shores and can create problems for the local sea turtle population. Calgary’s crew stepped in to help clean up.“The plastic breaks down into microplastics in the sand where sea turtles tend to nest,” explained Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) John Quay, Command Chaplain for Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. “For marine turtle eggs, incubation temperature is destiny. Sea turtles have temperature dependent sex determination, which means their sex is determined by the sand temperature. Changes in incubation temperatures can modify the sex ratios produced on these nesting beaches.”[caption id="attachment_26339" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Members of HMCS Calgary[/caption]In an activity organized by Calgary’s embarked chaplain Lieutenant (Navy) Wilson Gonese and LCdr Quay, 31 members of the ship got up at the break of dawn, drove out to the island’s Oceanside R-site Beach, and cleared...

[caption id="attachment_26328" align="aligncenter" width="594"] From left to right: Maj Lesley Quinlan, her daughter, and her husband, LCol Chris Quinlan. The new Canada Army Run shirt has multiple military-themed elements printed on a material that is ideal for sport. The shirt is offered in short or long sleeve to meet the preference of the whole family.[/caption]CFMWS––In a few months, the Canada Army Run Virtual will kick off its 2021 edition. For the second year in a row, the run won’t begin at the Canadian War Museum nor in Canada’s Capital, Ottawa, but rather, anywhere and everywhere as it is virtual. Being part of this event is exciting; however, it is also quite different from the in-person event held on the streets of Ottawa-Gatineau. Keeping that in mind, the run committee is committed to ensuring participants get the full Canada Army Run experience. Each registered participant will receive a race kit that includes military-themed items.When registering for the Sept. 10 run, participants can select a Canada Army Run exclusive merchandise item:  a race shirt with short sleeves or long sleeves or a hat. This year’s shirts have a new modern, sleek design that will keep participants stylish while they break a sweat. Shirts are darker compared to last year’s while still incorporating military-related elements such as the CADPAT camouflage pattern and the Support Our Troops yellow ribbon. The design also highlights the racer’s selected distance in a white maple leaf on the left sleeve. In addition to race gear, participants will find various items including a Canada Army Run race coin, a congratulatory letter from the Commander of the Canadian Army, and an exclusive sample of a hydration product. Registrants also get access to free monthly training races, a distance challenge, Remembrance Row nominations, and a virtual expo, which includes various offers from Canada...

The Department of National Defence  (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the families of 16 Canadian Army soldiers who went missing during the Korean War in the 1950s.The 16 soldiers went missing in action between Oct. 11, 1951, and July 12, 1953. Their remains are presumably located near where they were last seen, in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification, known as MAKRI, has been working towards locating and recovering the remains of soldiers from the DMZ where Canadian soldiers are reported to have gone missing. Working in close relationship with MAKRI, the CAF is looking for relatives to help identify through genealogical, familial and/or historical research if any discovered remains are those of the missing Canadian Army soldiers. “Our military relationship with Korea dates back to 1950, when Canada declared its support of South Korea following its sudden invasion by North Korea,” said Lieutenant-General Steven Whelan, Commander Military Personnel Command. “Canada contributed the third largest number of soldiers among United Nations (UN) countries during the Korean war. Of the more than 26,000 who deployed, 516 made the ultimate sacrifice. A formal agreement between the Republic of Korea and Canada signed on June 23, 2021, shows that we will never forget our fallen, and brings us one step closer to granting peace to the families of the soldiers who went missing.” The successful identification of the missing, and their burial with their name by their regiment, brings closure to the families and a direct link to the past for soldiers currently serving. More broadly, it gives all Canadians the opportunity to reflect on the experience of those...

S2 Natassia LeiHMCS SummersideA/SLt David LindsayPAO Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters––The last remaining Naval Admiralty whaler is slated to be reunited later this summer near the last surviving Flower-class corvette - Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Sackville located at the Naval Museum of Halifax, Nova Scotia. HMCS Summerside collected the Admiralty’s trawler whaler on June 24 to bring it back to Canada. Coming alongside in Portsmouth, the crew had their first look at the weathered wooden boat. At 16 feet long, seven feet wide and approximately half a ton, the clinker built hull bears witness to craftsmanship worked with expert hands. The first reference to whaleboats was in 1756 and  they were introduced into Royal Naval service around 1810 when they were called whale-gigs. The trawler whaler, commonly referred to as a Captain’s gig, was used to take boarding parties to enemy ships. They had a secondary role as lifeboats.This trawler was secured by Tim Lewin.“Some 20 years ago, I began my cooperation with the Imperial War Museum by supporting an annual gathering of Second World War veterans for a Victory party to celebrate VE Day on board HMS Belfast. Through this relationship I came into contact with HMCS Sackville in Halifax, a sister ship preserved to the memory of the heroism of all those who served at sea. In the early part of this year, Commander Bill Gard of the Sackville Trust asked me if I could help them find plans to build a new Montague whaler, once the sea boat of every naval ship.“This in turn brought me to the superb restoration craftsmen of Boathouse No. 4, part of the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust. When I told them of my friendship with HMCS Sackville they told me that in their collection they had, awaiting restoration, an Admiralty Pattern...

[caption id="attachment_26317" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Aviator Mathieu Pelletier and his father, Sergeant René Pelletier work side-by-side in the plumbing and heating shop at 192 Construction Engineering Flight, an RCAF Reserve unit located at Aldergrove, B.C., which is part of 19 Wing Comox. Photo RCAF 2021[/caption]Holly BridgesRoyal Canadian Air Force––On any given day in the plumbing and heating shop at 192 Construction Engineering Flight, an RCAF Reserve unit located at Aldergrove, B.C., you might see Aviator Mathieu Pelletier and his father Sergeant René Pelletier working side-by-side. Since they share the same household, the pair is permitted to work in close proximity to one another during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. “Sgt Pelletier is my father, but at work I don’t have the luxury of calling him that due to the chain of command,” says Avr Pelletier. “At home, he’s just Dad.”The father-son duo, both plumbing and heating technicians, have worked together before as civilians in the Alberta oil patch. Sgt Pelletier, considered one of the Canadian Armed Force’s leading experts in erecting soft-shell structures such as weather havens and aircraft hangars in austere conditions, was working part-time in the oil sands, after 21 years in the Regular Force and 23 years in the Reserve Force“I’m very proud of my father and the work he’s accomplished over the years. It’s a very large legacy to be walking behind. But at the same time, I know that what I can bring to the military is different than what he brought, because it’s a new era. I don’t see it as me being stuck in his shadow. I see it as one long shadow of our entire family. And eventually we step out into the light at the front, and extend it.”Making his own mark, yet forever grateful for his father’s mentorship, Avr Pelletier was only too happy...

Lisa ChurchMFRC––Esquimalt’s Military Family Resource Centre’s (MFRC) giant furry teddy bear now has a name.After a deluge of creative monikers were offered as part of a contest, judges settled on Radar. This name was suggested by the De Guzman family children, pictured here. They received a Gifts From Afar Program package.The custom-made teddy bear was created by Sugars Mascots of Toronto. The bear measures a whopping 193 cm (6’4”) in height with a massive belly and head that that measure 190 cm (75 inches) and 157 cm (5’2”) respectively. Now that they have a name, Radar will start making appearances at upcoming events.––––

[caption id="attachment_26302" align="aligncenter" width="594"] S1 Aaron Henry drills in drywall at the Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitations Centre.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––S1 Aaron Henry’s handiwork has helped the Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitations Centre (ARC) move from a tired facility to a refreshed centre ready to help the less fortunate. He was one of many volunteers who dedicated their free time to local charity HeroWork and their latest Radical Renovation. They rely on the generosity of local businesses, general labour volunteers, and skilled volunteers to pitch in and transform other local charity facilities.“I really wanted to get back into volunteering again, and making a difference in my community,” says S1 Henry. “HeroWork is a charity where I can instantly see the results of my work and also learn new skills.”He volunteered for HeroWork in 2019 doing general labour at Our Place’s Therapeutic Recovery Centre in Colwood. He says his latest experience gave him an opportunity to better himself and learn a fundamental renovation skill of how to handle and install drywall. “It was challenging at first and I quickly became aware that the materials need to be handled with care, along with getting the rivets into the studs properly,” he says. On July 3, the completed Salvation Army Victoria ARC located on Johnson Street was revealed. A newly built commercial kitchen is ready to serve with a 20 per cent increase of capacity. Before this Radical Renovation, the kitchen served approximately 15,000 meals a month. Other areas renovated include additional emergency dormitory spaces, common area updates, and general building maintenance items. Total cost of the project for HeroWork is estimated at $200,000. At $1.1M valuation it is the highest valued project completed to date.––––

Peter MallettStaff Writer––CFB Esquimalt has been selected by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff to take part in a pilot project for COVID-19 rapid testing. Approximately 12,800 COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Detection Testing (RADT) kits have been delivered to the base. The test is a self-administered swab and can yield results in about 15 to 20 minutes. The implementation of a rapid-testing program in the workplace is intended to identify asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19. CFB Borden and CFB Halifax have also been selected to take part in the pilot project, the results of which will be assessed after 12 weeks. The tests are voluntary, completely confidential, and are being made available locally to certain workplaces and facilities through Formation Safety and Environment (FSE).  Priority units are currently in the process of being trained so they can have self-sufficient testing programs, says Catherine Leith, Formation Safety Officer.Top PriorityShips going to sea are the top priority to receive the test kits. Individuals receiving or delivering training in areas such as Basic Military Qualification, naval boarding parties, and other close contact training are the next priority. Test kits will be of great value for ships at sea, says Leith. Sailors in sea-going units are routinely tested by Canadian Forces Health Services staff using PCR laboratory tests. The PCR tests are the most thorough and effective method but can sometimes take days to get the results back.“The new tests can be given to a ship’s company on the day they sail or to a group of students the morning before a class; their operations can continue without pausing for the test results to come in,” she adds.Although DND has implemented rigorous pubic health measures within defence facilities, this latest effort is all about mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and identifying asymptomatic individuals. “There is still...

[caption id="attachment_26294" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy performs. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT Public Affairs[/caption]Ryan MelansonTrident Newspaper––For the first time in nearly 25 years, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has commissioned a new warship, with Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf now entering active service following a commissioning ceremony in Halifax on June 26.The ship is the first of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) set to be delivered to the navy over the coming years, bringing with it new capabilities and a renewed focus on operations in the Arctic region. It’s the RCN’s first ice-capable vessel since the former HMCS Labrador was transferred away from DND in 1958 – a move signed off on by Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf himself.“This is a moment in history where we pick up where VAdm DeWolf left off,” said Cdr Corey Gleason, Harry DeWolf’s first commanding officer. He’s been leading his crew in preparation for this moment since 2014, before the first steel for the ship was cut. He has spent the last year commanding Harry DeWolf through numerous tests and trials at sea.[caption id="attachment_26295" align="aligncenter" width="341"] The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presents Commander Corey Gleason, Commanding Officer HMCS Harry DeWolf, with the Commissioning Pennant.[/caption]Sailors have already gotten to know the new platform and proven its ability to operate in different environments, but that doesn’t take away from the significance of the formal commissioning and the tradition tied to the ceremony.“Tradition reinforces operations, and events like our commissioning ceremony draw inspiration and purpose from our own recent milestones, and from all of those that contributed to the National Shipbuilding Strategy. This ceremony is about all of us celebrating our contributions in a formal setting,” Cdr Gleason added.He was joined at the ceremony by senior Canadian Armed Forces and RCN leadership, including LGen Wayne Eyre, Acting Chief of the Defence Staff, and RAdm Brian Santarpia, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic.Other aspects of the commissioning, which was...

Ashley EvansFMFCB––In February, a team of electronics technicians in Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton Sonar Shop 153, along with the Quality Control team, were tasked with maintenance and repair work on HMCS Chicoutimi’s bow sonar array. Sonars are essentially the eyes of a submarine when it is underwater, and the Bow Sonar Array is the largest part of its sonar system.  The sonar system comprises both active and passive elements that include a 96-stave, cylindrical bow array plus flank arrays. The system can track multiple contacts simultaneously. The array was previously part of the original Type 2040 Sonar system but will now be used in conjunction with the BQQ-10 Sonar system, an upgrade the submarine will receive during the ongoing transitional docking work period. Throughout 1,600 work hours, the eight-person team rebuilt the underwater connectors, manufactured specialty cables, and reconditioned transducers for this system. They also tested each hydrophone, an acoustic instrument found on the sonar staves. Typically, there are four or eight hydrophones on each stave. Because the submarine supply system has an abundance of staves, the team were particular with the ones they refurbished or replaced. The testing procedure was a two-step process. First was an underwater check for leaks, done by submerging the body and checking the staves resistance to electrical current flowing from the internal wires into the surrounding water, otherwise known as a megger test. If water gets in, current will flow out, explained Mike Quinn, Shop 153A Sonar.Next, a functional test was done to ensure all hydrophone elements in the stave worked. Technicians put a noise source on each hydrophone and checked that a specified signal came out. If the stave was suitable, they cut the old connector off and replaced it with a new one. The connector body was then filled with an epoxy to secure it in place, and ensure it can withstand the crushing water pressure it will be subjected to through normal operations of the submarine. Once the epoxy cured, the connector body was...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––After a one-year shutdown, the Royal Canadian Navy’s popular Raven Program is ready to soar again.This outreach program is run by Naval Fleet School Pacific (NFSP) Seamanship Division Leadership Section and blends Indigenous cultures and techniques with military training. Candidates come from across Canada and enrol in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF); they are housed at Work Point barracks from July to August – this year COVID-19 health and safety measures have also been put in place. “It was disappointing to tell last year’s participants they couldn’t come due to the shut down,” says PO2 Michelle Howell. “This year the Raven interest has picked right back up. I’ve been receiving numerous emails and calls from potential recruits, parents, community representatives, and CAF members expressing how excited they are about taking part in the program this summer.”The CAF Recruiting Centres across Canada have received over a 100 applications for Raven this summer and are busy doing security background checks, medical reviews, and FORCE (fitness for operational requirements) testing. Normally, this process would take months, but with the recent lifting of tight COVID restrictions, staff only have a few weeks to process applications and get as many applicants as possible on to the course. There are a number of Indigenous training programs offered by the CAF across Canada, the Raven Program in particular can accommodate a maximum of 45 candidates. The next flock of Ravens are scheduled to arrive this week at the Wardroom for a week-long quarantine period that includes COVID testing. Then, on July 8, they will be sworn into the CAF and begin their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ). This BMQ kicks off with a four-day Culture Camp, July 9 to the 12, where the recruits learn about Canada’s Métis, First Nations, and Inuit cultures. They then carry...

Joanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––When Sailor Third Class John Stymiest left on a six-month deployment with HMCS Halifax Jan. 1, he brought his acoustic guitar, figuring it would help pass the time on his first deployment. As the warship headed to Europe to take part in NATO exercises under Operation Reassurance, S3 Stymiest found two other sailors wanting to play.  It was not long before the trio were creating original music and playing at an event in front of the entire ship’s company, including Cmdre Bradley Peats, Commodore of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).While the warship was docked in Stockholm in April, it held a talent show dubbed “HMCS Halifax Eurovision 2021”. “It was something special to play our music and see the smiles and joy from the crew during a deployment where the normality of exploring different countries during port visits no longer exists,” says S3 Stymiest. “We knew the ship’s company would be surprised, as they had never seen us play music together before. We mostly wrote in private so that we could give a little shock value.”They won the talent show, of course.S3 Stymiest met fellow musician S1 Francis van der Kamp while playing guitar in the Junior Ranks mess. His rap and hip-hop style blended with S1 van der Kamp’s singer-songwriter background and they came up with something they describe as “folk rap”. “Think Dallas Green meets Classified meets Linkin Park,” says S3 Stymiest, who goes by the stage name Johnny GASH, in a nod to his navy life, a term used to describe garbage aboard ship.“At first it was just something fun we would do on our off time, but soon we realized we had tremendous chemistry and decided we would start writing original music together,” says S3 Stymiest.Master Sailor Colin Puff heard about their unique musical style...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The temporary home for the Pacific Fleet Club is now open for business in building Naden 40. The junior ranks mess officially opened June 21, following the completion of a lengthy renovation. It is currently serving coffee and snacks. Full bar service will commence after the grand opening later this summer. The date will be made public on the Pacific Fleet Club’s Facebook account in the coming weeks.The junior ranks mess serves as the primary social hub and gathering spot for approximately 1,200 non-commissioned sailors, soldiers, and aviators.The old fleet club previously operated for more than 44 years at the top of Lyall Street. But the iconic seaside building was forced to close following an engineering report in March 2016 that revealed structural flaws and an estimated $8.5 million in repairs. A permanent home for the junior ranks mess is still in the planning stages and details have yet to be announced, says Master Sailor Emily Whalen, President of the Mess Committee.Anticipation and buzz surrounding the new location has been mounting.“I think many members had been discouraged because the old location had been shut down for regular business for so long,” says MS Whalen. “There is a lot of excitement surrounding our grand opening in Naden and I think people are really looking forward to it.”A big part of that excitement is because the new location, at the rear of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, provides easy access for many members. This includes those who live nearby in Nelles Block and Bernays Block residences and for a large number of Base Administration staff. “Many people said they often put off making the long trek to the Signal Hill location, so the new location suits the needs of many,” she says. The building is about the size of...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Two Clearance Divers from the base have safely destroyed a piece of live ordnance believed to be a Royal Navy shell from the First World War.The divers are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians from Fleet Diving Unit Pacific and were called to a residence in North Vancouver on June 16. Members of the RCMP explosive disposal unit had originally been dispatched to deal with the ordnance. Their bomb specialists were recalled after it was determined the item was military grade. According to the RCMP, the resident had purchased the item at a garage sale thinking it was an interesting artifact. They evacuated the home and six nearby residences and set up a perimeter a safe distance away from the home. The Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was dispatched after receiving a tasking call from Regional Joint Operations Centre. PO2 Benoît Léonard and S1 Jacob Desjardins travelled from Victoria to North Vancouver in the FDU(P) munitions disposal truck. Once on the scene, they identified and safely disposed of the ordnance. The device was identified as a shell used by a Q4 4-inch naval gun, which was the main gun used on destroyers of the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy during the First World War.“The ordnance was live and contained about five pounds of explosives,” said PO2 Léonard. “The ordnance was rusted and what appears to be cement on the outside of the shell is actually called pitting and is a result of its corrosion.”FDU(P) receives approximately one call per week to dispose of live and inert ordnance during the winter months, and up to two in the summer months. Their area of responsibility includes all DND and Government of Canada property in the Province of British Columbia; they will also respond when tasked to aid any organization or individual requiring...

[caption id="attachment_26265" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Calgary’s boarding party team and command team stand with heroin seized during counter-smuggling operations on June 6. Photo by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, CAF Photo[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary––HMCS Calgary completed their two-month rotation on Operation Artemis June 14, working with the 34-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150). The warship conducted maritime interdiction operations intended to stop the flow of illicit revenue to regional criminal and terrorist organizations.Frigate and crew set two records while performing on this mission.Their 17 successful counter-narcotics seizures were the most any single warship has made on any rotation in the history of CMF – setting the record not only in terms of number of seizures, but also in terms of weight of narcotics seized and wholesale dollar value.The Canadian warship also set the record for the largest single heroin seizure in CMF history.“Our success was truly a team effort both at the ship-level and at the operational level,” said Commander Mark O’Donohue, Calgary’s Commanding Officer. “While we are very proud of our success as a ship, we always try to keep in mind this success was accomplished within the framework of great support from CTF-150 and other organizations in the Canadian Armed Forces.”Calgary worked with CTF-150 headquartered in Bahrain, a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft, and the warship’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter to detect suspicious vessels at sea, following a rigorous process in accordance with applicable domestic and international law.When deemed appropriate, Calgary sent a boarding team to embark the vessels and seize illicit goods. These boardings were mostly conducted by the warship’s embarked Naval Tactical Operations Group team, call sign Reef; however, the ship’s organic boarding team, call sign Alpha Wave, conducted boardings during the latter part of the operation.While on...

[caption id="attachment_26257" align="aligncenter" width="594"] CPO1 Timothy King[/caption]A/SLt Wen GuoBase Administration––Incoming Base Administration (BADM) Unit Chief Petty Officer – CPO1 Timothy King’s goal is to be a good command team partner, assisting the Base Administration Commanding Officer in his day-to-day operation.“I would like to provide our Commanding Officer with a realistic, no-nonsense opinion regarding the health, welfare, morale, and climate of the sailors and public servants with whom I will be working with. People first and mission always; if we can take care of our people, we take care of our mission. I am extremely humbled and proud to be offered the opportunity to be the Base Administration Unit CPO and will do my absolute best to represent the unit well.”Born in Ottawa, CPO1 King moved to B.C. as a young boy. He was inspired to join the military by his family’s legacy of service. His father, stepfather, and brothers all held various positions within the Canadian Armed Forces. That legacy now extends to his son, a Marine Technician who will be posted to HMCS Whitehorse in mid-June.CPO1 King draws inspiration from his wife Deanna who has supported him despite her own adversity. “She is my foundation and inspires my strength and tenacity. She has taught me the meaning of perseverance by living through her multiple sclerosis condition.” His career started 29 years ago as an Infantry Reservist. In 2001, he re-enlisted in the Regular Force as a Naval Electronic Sensor Operator. Over the years, CPO1 King assumed numerous roles with many significant moments. The most impactful moment was during his time serving with HMCS Protecteur when a major fire broke out in the engine room Feb. 27, 2014.“The event stroke fear from within and my experience was traumatic. The crew on HMCS Protecteur were the bravest, most resourceful, dedicated, selfless people I have...